POSTED UNDER Facelift Reviews
Over Promised and Under Delivered Twice
UPDATED FROM JenK.
2 years post
Update
$200,000
Hello - providing an update to my review and a response to Dr. Chesnut’s comment (which has been taken down.) His comment included mischaracterizations of my baseline. He also chose to publicly share his version of my medial history, which I believe was a HIPAA violation.
Much to my disappointment, Dr. Chesnut did not see me at any post-operative appointment after performing my second surgery with him in 2024. I learned via social media that he was attending the COPA soccer match out of state with family. He allowed his medical assistant to remove my stitches and clear me to fly home. Because he did not attend my post-op appointment he failed to explain the excessive swelling and pain that I was experiencing. He failed to properly address an issue I was having with healing on my right ear. He failed to communicate why I had more access points and stitches than we had discussed at my consultation. He failed to communicate how my surgery went overall and expected results.
I would like to reiterate the importance of doing research when choosing a plastic surgeon so you know exactly who is operating on you. The point of my review is to share information that I wish I knew prior to deciding on a plastic surgeon. Many online references and board certified plastic surgeons suggest these criteria as a starting point:
Seek a surgeon who is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Seek a surgeon with hospital privileges to perform cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures in a hospital setting even if you are having your surgery at an outpatient facility. Hospitals provide another form of review to ensure that physicians have the necessary education and training to perform those procedures. (Source: SutterHealth.org)
Dr. Chesnut is a board certified dermatologist. (He has many positive reviews from patients who are pleased with him as a dermatologist.) I failed to find a Spokane-area hospital that allowed him to perform my surgeries in their facility. My anesthesia was administered/monitored by a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) and not an anesthesiologist (a medical doctor). These are details that are important to me. I did not ask enough questions prior and discovered these details after two surgeries with unsatisfactory results.
I was contacted by a plastic surgeon who told me that in the state of California, where I live, medical doctors are prohibited from calling themselves plastic surgeons. Honestly, I thought I had that protection given I was clear that I was in California during our virtual consultations. He also explained that the state of Washington does not have the same rule in place. I was informed that any medical doctor can call themselves a plastic surgeon in the state of Washington.
Dr. Chesnut could have declined my case (twice) if he deemed it too challenging, or simply didn’t want to have me as a patient. Dr. Chesnut could have been present at my post-op appointment. Dr. Chesnut could have reached out to me directly at any point in the last year to inquire about my recovery and results rather than respond to my review publicly. I am a professional, polite person that would have welcomed any outreach from him. Reminder, I paid him/Clinic 5C over $200,000 for two surgeries in two years without getting close to the results we discussed achieving. I also experienced two tough, confusing recoveries.
The good news!
I am recovering very well from my recent revision surgery. I selected a double board certified plastic surgeon in California. He has hospital privileges to perform surgeries in hospitals near his clinic and my anesthesia was administered by an anesthesioIogist. I am extremely pleased with the care I am receiving. The surgeon was in touch with me every day for 12 days, including the weekend. This is in stark contrast to the follow-up I received from Dr. Chesnut. I already see a very positive change and am excited to have these surgeries behind me. I experienced extreme pain and swelling after my surgeries with Dr. Chesnut. My current recovery has been much easier and everything has been explained to me every step of the way. I can already see the positive results I tried to get three years ago.
Sadly, it is the opinion of my new surgeon that the two surgeries performed by Dr. Chesnut left a lot of damage to the tissue all along both sides of my face. (I had zero procedures in these areas prior to Dr. Chesnut.) This was upsetting to hear at 47 years old, however, not all that surprising since I had pain on the sides of my face for almost a year. I’ve been prescribed PRP treatments to that tissue in the next few months to hopefully help it rebuild.
My advice to you - don’t let social media alone make your decision, like I did. Determine what is important to you when selecting a plastic surgeon and make sure you check all of those boxes. Feel confident asking questions and doing your own research to find the plastic surgeon that is the best fit for you.
Much to my disappointment, Dr. Chesnut did not see me at any post-operative appointment after performing my second surgery with him in 2024. I learned via social media that he was attending the COPA soccer match out of state with family. He allowed his medical assistant to remove my stitches and clear me to fly home. Because he did not attend my post-op appointment he failed to explain the excessive swelling and pain that I was experiencing. He failed to properly address an issue I was having with healing on my right ear. He failed to communicate why I had more access points and stitches than we had discussed at my consultation. He failed to communicate how my surgery went overall and expected results.
I would like to reiterate the importance of doing research when choosing a plastic surgeon so you know exactly who is operating on you. The point of my review is to share information that I wish I knew prior to deciding on a plastic surgeon. Many online references and board certified plastic surgeons suggest these criteria as a starting point:
Seek a surgeon who is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Seek a surgeon with hospital privileges to perform cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures in a hospital setting even if you are having your surgery at an outpatient facility. Hospitals provide another form of review to ensure that physicians have the necessary education and training to perform those procedures. (Source: SutterHealth.org)
Dr. Chesnut is a board certified dermatologist. (He has many positive reviews from patients who are pleased with him as a dermatologist.) I failed to find a Spokane-area hospital that allowed him to perform my surgeries in their facility. My anesthesia was administered/monitored by a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) and not an anesthesiologist (a medical doctor). These are details that are important to me. I did not ask enough questions prior and discovered these details after two surgeries with unsatisfactory results.
I was contacted by a plastic surgeon who told me that in the state of California, where I live, medical doctors are prohibited from calling themselves plastic surgeons. Honestly, I thought I had that protection given I was clear that I was in California during our virtual consultations. He also explained that the state of Washington does not have the same rule in place. I was informed that any medical doctor can call themselves a plastic surgeon in the state of Washington.
Dr. Chesnut could have declined my case (twice) if he deemed it too challenging, or simply didn’t want to have me as a patient. Dr. Chesnut could have been present at my post-op appointment. Dr. Chesnut could have reached out to me directly at any point in the last year to inquire about my recovery and results rather than respond to my review publicly. I am a professional, polite person that would have welcomed any outreach from him. Reminder, I paid him/Clinic 5C over $200,000 for two surgeries in two years without getting close to the results we discussed achieving. I also experienced two tough, confusing recoveries.
The good news!
I am recovering very well from my recent revision surgery. I selected a double board certified plastic surgeon in California. He has hospital privileges to perform surgeries in hospitals near his clinic and my anesthesia was administered by an anesthesioIogist. I am extremely pleased with the care I am receiving. The surgeon was in touch with me every day for 12 days, including the weekend. This is in stark contrast to the follow-up I received from Dr. Chesnut. I already see a very positive change and am excited to have these surgeries behind me. I experienced extreme pain and swelling after my surgeries with Dr. Chesnut. My current recovery has been much easier and everything has been explained to me every step of the way. I can already see the positive results I tried to get three years ago.
Sadly, it is the opinion of my new surgeon that the two surgeries performed by Dr. Chesnut left a lot of damage to the tissue all along both sides of my face. (I had zero procedures in these areas prior to Dr. Chesnut.) This was upsetting to hear at 47 years old, however, not all that surprising since I had pain on the sides of my face for almost a year. I’ve been prescribed PRP treatments to that tissue in the next few months to hopefully help it rebuild.
My advice to you - don’t let social media alone make your decision, like I did. Determine what is important to you when selecting a plastic surgeon and make sure you check all of those boxes. Feel confident asking questions and doing your own research to find the plastic surgeon that is the best fit for you.
ORIGINAL POST
Over Promised & Under Delivered Twice
Dr. Chesnut performed two sets of procedures on my face and neck starting in 2023. As a slim 45 year old woman I had some neck laxity and age-related reduction of facial fullness and skin laxity that I wanted addressed. I noticed his glossy social media presence and was impressed to see “world renowned” plastic surgeon listed on his profile. I decided on a consultation. Dr. Chesnut has a very friendly and positive bedside manner. We discussed my concerns and he assured me that we could achieve wonderful results. When I received a quote of $120,000 I was shocked as that was well above industry standards and well above what I expected given my baseline. He explained his “upfront a’la carte” pricing was best for the patient. He said we could do less but shared that each additional procedure ($$$) would enhance my overall result. I decided that I should pay 3 times the other quotes I received from plastic surgeons and trust Dr. Chesnut. I had an unexpectedly tough recovery and the results were very disappointing. I saw him virtually 8 months after and he agreed on the “failure” and suggested more procedures to achieve desired results. I was again shocked when I received a quote for another $80,000 to perform the revision. I saw a plastic surgeon for a second opinion and was quoted $55,000 to perform the revision. I convinced myself that Dr. Chesnut would do a better job since he already knew the situation and he was confident he could remedy the situation in our follow-up consultation. Nine months have passed since my second round of revisionary procedures with Dr. Chesnut. The result is extremely disappointing again. I have a permanent indentation that runs the length of my right cheek and my jawline on that same side looks similar to before the revision work - not at all what we discussed regarding expectations. At 6 months post-op I had a virtual consult with him. He said he would need to do another fat transfer to correct my right cheek. First he told me to “wait as it’s swelling near an anchor point” then he decided based on the amount of time that had passed that for some reason my fat pad “did not recover.”
In addition to the very noticeable indentation on one cheek, I have a hard lump on the left side of my chin from his fat transfer over two years ago. My neck and lower face are barely improved. During the consultation I was told by Dr. Chesnut that I would have “some stitches in front and in my ear” after the second set of procedures. I woke up with copious amounts of stitches in/on my ear line, behind my ears, and along my hairline above my neck. Given I had 4 times the amount of stitches described and this was a revision, I was very nervous about my results and anxious to speak with him at my post-surgical follow-up. However, when I arrived to my appointment I was handed a paper card saying “thanks for your trust” from Dr. Chesnut. I felt so deflated that he wasn't there to check on me. His medical assistant removed my stitches, wiped away my tears, and cleared me to fly home. I assumed he had an emergency and I would hear from him with an understandable reason for his lack of follow-up to my revisionary surgery. Instead, I checked IG from the airport and saw that he was attending the COPA soccer tournament out of town on a family vacation. I would have chosen another surgery date where I could see the surgeon in person before I left town if I had been informed ahead of time of his vacation. We also could have moved my appointment to accommodate when he would be in town. I can only surmise that Dr. Chesnut already received a lot of my money and simply did not care enough to see me at my follow-up.
I encourage people interested in finding a plastic surgeon to do their research and learn about board certifications. I recently met with a surgeon in California who told me that Dr. Chesnut is not a board certified plastic surgeon. I inquired online and can only find that he is board certified as a dermatologist. I was naive and did not research this until after I paid him $200,000 for two sets of plastic surgery procedures with poor results which included long, tough, and confusing recoveries. His prices are well above industry standards and in my case an enormous waste of money and years.
I just started my consultation process for my second revisionary procedure - and my third surgery in 3 years. I’ve seen two plastic surgeons so far and they both agree I am a candidate for a properly performed lift in my lower face and upper neck to show off “my naturally beautiful” jawline that is currently not on display. (Dr. Chesnut told me he performed two deep plane neck lifts. I have no clue how I am now in a situation of getting a third. I am now an active 47 year old. I weigh 135lbs and am 5’7” for perspective.) I was given two different approaches to repairing the indentation to the right side of my face and both said they can dissolve the hard lump with a steroid injection during the lift.
He also took fat from my inner thighs for a fat transfer which was not discussed as an option. I didn’t really have much to give in that area and now both thighs have noticeable lumps and bumps whereas prior to his fat removal my inner thigh contour was smoother. I am no longer wearing shorter skirts or shorts without tights.
I’m devastated by this situation and my decision on multiple levels. I wish he had not taken my case. Based on my experience, I do not feel he accurately represents himself and what he can do. I am writing this review to share information with others that I wish I knew prior to selecting Dr. Chesnut. I trusted social media more than I should have.
Do your research, ask a lot of clarifying questions, and take your time before making your selection.
Warm wishes.
In addition to the very noticeable indentation on one cheek, I have a hard lump on the left side of my chin from his fat transfer over two years ago. My neck and lower face are barely improved. During the consultation I was told by Dr. Chesnut that I would have “some stitches in front and in my ear” after the second set of procedures. I woke up with copious amounts of stitches in/on my ear line, behind my ears, and along my hairline above my neck. Given I had 4 times the amount of stitches described and this was a revision, I was very nervous about my results and anxious to speak with him at my post-surgical follow-up. However, when I arrived to my appointment I was handed a paper card saying “thanks for your trust” from Dr. Chesnut. I felt so deflated that he wasn't there to check on me. His medical assistant removed my stitches, wiped away my tears, and cleared me to fly home. I assumed he had an emergency and I would hear from him with an understandable reason for his lack of follow-up to my revisionary surgery. Instead, I checked IG from the airport and saw that he was attending the COPA soccer tournament out of town on a family vacation. I would have chosen another surgery date where I could see the surgeon in person before I left town if I had been informed ahead of time of his vacation. We also could have moved my appointment to accommodate when he would be in town. I can only surmise that Dr. Chesnut already received a lot of my money and simply did not care enough to see me at my follow-up.
I encourage people interested in finding a plastic surgeon to do their research and learn about board certifications. I recently met with a surgeon in California who told me that Dr. Chesnut is not a board certified plastic surgeon. I inquired online and can only find that he is board certified as a dermatologist. I was naive and did not research this until after I paid him $200,000 for two sets of plastic surgery procedures with poor results which included long, tough, and confusing recoveries. His prices are well above industry standards and in my case an enormous waste of money and years.
I just started my consultation process for my second revisionary procedure - and my third surgery in 3 years. I’ve seen two plastic surgeons so far and they both agree I am a candidate for a properly performed lift in my lower face and upper neck to show off “my naturally beautiful” jawline that is currently not on display. (Dr. Chesnut told me he performed two deep plane neck lifts. I have no clue how I am now in a situation of getting a third. I am now an active 47 year old. I weigh 135lbs and am 5’7” for perspective.) I was given two different approaches to repairing the indentation to the right side of my face and both said they can dissolve the hard lump with a steroid injection during the lift.
He also took fat from my inner thighs for a fat transfer which was not discussed as an option. I didn’t really have much to give in that area and now both thighs have noticeable lumps and bumps whereas prior to his fat removal my inner thigh contour was smoother. I am no longer wearing shorter skirts or shorts without tights.
I’m devastated by this situation and my decision on multiple levels. I wish he had not taken my case. Based on my experience, I do not feel he accurately represents himself and what he can do. I am writing this review to share information with others that I wish I knew prior to selecting Dr. Chesnut. I trusted social media more than I should have.
Do your research, ask a lot of clarifying questions, and take your time before making your selection.
Warm wishes.
Replies (3)
Your review is such a valuable contribution to this site. Your rationale for choosing a doctor and placing trust in him is understandable and relatable. The qualities you describe-- pleasant demeanor, credentials (possibly misleading), positive reviews, high price, slick, superlative marketing—are enough to convince discerning prospective patients that a doctor has expertise and integrity. Sure, patients sign a consent. But you are led to believe the problems listed are worst-case scenario and the understanding is that the doctor would surely do everything in his power to address such problems in the unfortunate situation that they arise. A person’s face is a major component of their identity. Loss of it, even temporarily can lead to loss of income, social isolation, undue pressure on household members, unexpected costs, health decline and trauma. When a doctor fails to uphold his end of the contract to the utmost extent, it is the patient who has everything to lose. It strikes me as incomprehensible that an ethical doctor would extract great financial gains for revision of their own work or make excuses for the poor outcome after the fact. Another important point that I’ve never read in other reviews on FFT regards the harvest site. Some of us would choose not to sacrifice another body part for the cause if the potential effects were communicated during consultation. It is something I’ve meant to address in my own review, because discovering withered body parts adds to the heartbreak. I only wish I’d read reviews like this before my own experience.
Thank you for this review... and I'm so very sorry you're going through this.
Not only is Dr Cameron Chesnut not a board certified plastic surgeon, he has no hospital privileges in Spokane WA where he performs surgeries
Replies (0)